Definition: Ragu

Ragu
A sauce of meat, poultry, or a combination of the two and finely diced vegetables simmered for a long time in one or more liquids, such as water, milk, cream, wine, broth, or stock and seasonings. A staple of northern Italy's Bologna, ragu is typically served with pasta.

Though different than the French ragout, both are derived from the verb "ragouter," which means to stimulate the appetite.